Here is the long-awaited odyssey that forged the character and tempered the spirit of Dan's mentor. A spellbinding story of courage, faith, and love, The Journeys of Socrates reveals how a man became a warrior . . . and how a warrior found peace.

In Tsarist Russia, an orphaned child born of Jewish and Cossack blood grows up in a land of growing discontent. At an elite military academy, young Sergei Ivanov (Socrates) comes of age training to protect a way of life he doesn't understand. When a sudden death forces Sergei to flee, he escapes into the wilderness, with nothing to cling to but the memory of his grandfather and the promise of a gift buried near St. Petersburg.

What follows is a story of love and loss, of hardship and triumph as Sergei encounters mentors, masters, and a mortal enemy. Searching for a child he has never met, Sergei's odyssey unlocks hidden wisdom at the heart of life.

I devoted four years of my life to convey the life, heart, and soul of my mentor -- to tell his story and answer the questions I've been asked. No book speaks to everyone, but I believe it will sing for many. You will find this saga quite different from Way of the Peaceful Warrior -- I had no wish to clone my first work. Journeys represents an evolution in my writing, where story comes first. And this story may lend new perspectives about your own life. For those expecting another Way of the Peaceful Warrior, I offer the words of one of Socrates' mentors: "In combat and in life, expect nothing—but be prepared for anything..."

What readers are saying:

I've just been totally bowled over by The Journeys of Socrates, and have told all my friends. I laughed and cried and was horror-struck, and totally drawn into the story. I can't quite articulate how it has touched me . . . it really has had a profound effect on me . . . and the style of writing is beautiful. Last night I looked into the turquoise sky at sunset and said a quiet thank you to Sergei Ivanov . . . Bridget C.

I am currently half way through "Journeys of Socrates" and I simply do not want it to end. It is such a rich and gripping story. If it continues to be just as amazing as it has been up to this point then I am planning on buying everyone I know their own copy. Jill F.

I read Dan's previous Warrior books, but THIS one was his finest. Riveting . . . enlightening ...unbelievable. My friends are fighting over who gets my copy next ... his writing is just superb and has only gotten better with age. Judith O.

I just completed The Journeys of Socrates. I am new to your writing and . . . this was the most fascinating book I have ever read. I too journeyed with Socrates through the pages, and this story will stay with me forever. Your new reading recruit, Deborah S.

I've been reading your work ever since a friend of mine loaned me "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" in 1992. I just finished The Journeys of Socrates . . . your writing is warm, thoughtful and best of all, it makes me stop and think about where I am and where I want to be in this life. May God bless you and your work. Chris C.

The Journeys of Socrates is a masterpiece . . . words fail to explain how much I enjoyed it. I read it in 2 days. As soon as I got home I bought another one and gave it to a friend. I hope our paths meet again. Sincerely, George H., Jr.

Thank you for the emotional roller coaster ride. I found myself so wrapped up in the book . . . Thanks for the excitement. Dan...It was a fantastic book and very inspirational... Maybe they will make a movie out of this book... Jody P.

As you diligently tell of how Socrates' journeys took years and even decades, it helped me to remember patience and waiting in God's time. Reading of the pain he bore -- how one can choose to live for evil or good -- reminded me of the responsibility [we have] to find our way, and how evil can only be overcome by light. Sergei's choice to become a peaceful warrior is immensely encouraging. Terry D.

. . . a compelling and absorbing story (I finished it in one afternoon) -- and the ending was an absolute treat. I haven't enjoyed a book that much since the first time I read The Hobbit when I was 10 -- both filled me with such a feeling of awe and magic. . . Michael G.

It was awesome. It was inspiring. It was heart-wrenching. It was one surprise after another! This book is a treasure in so many ways. . . What a grand example you have shared with us all A multitude of blessings to you and yours, from a very appreciative reader...... Monica D.

Your characterizations were so moving . . . each chapter brought tears to my eyes for different reasons. The sweetness of the final reunions was most gratifying, and a fitting opening for the personal surprise at the end. A true combination of sadness, courage, focus, strength, joy, mystery, mastery and intelligence! Laney W.

From the moment I started reading I was intoxicated by the story . . . I loved experiencing the whole process of how Socrates came to realizations, and I felt like I was enlightened in the process as well. The book gave me insight into what is important in my life, and also the the way to make peace in our world today. Even if one is unaware of the WPW series, it would be a great read. Jason M.

It is so different from any of your other works but despite being a novel the lessons of life are still there for us stalwarts. Congratulations you have surpassed yourself. I now know why you went off to Russia for martial arts training . . . Geoff S.

I'm on chapter twenty-one, and if I could call in sick to work I would continue reading the book non-stop. I can't express how intense the book is emotionally for me. It's got everything I like so far; tragedy, triumph, romance, love, humor, I am loving it! Justin G.

I read Journeys in one sitting (about 7 hours) . . . a book I will reread many times. It seems to explore your literary talents beyond any of your previous books. I was struck by the wisdom in this book and I will recommend it to friends, colleagues, and clients. It has immense potential for helping shift people's perspectives... Tom Z.

Hi Dan, I just finished devouring your new book and read it all in one day. Couldn't stop. My sons took it away from me and as soon as I get it back, I'll read it again . . . slowly. Hermann D.

I would like to say I got The Journeys of Socrates two days ago and could not put it down, even as the tears ran down my face after reading how Sergei Ivanov's mother got to hold him before . . .. This is truly a wonderful story! I will enjoy reading it again and again the same way I have read peaceful warrior over and over. With each reading of warrior I gain new insights . . . Thanks so much for sharing your story . . . it has truly changed my life. C. Williams

I believe The Journeys of Socrates is your best work to date . . . it has motivated me in many ways . . . I felt like an altered state as I read . . . you took me to where the characters were, I mean -- really took me there -- the sights, the sounds, the emotions, the smells, the scenery -- a sharing different from any I have experienced before. And I learned so much. Thank you, from my heart, for bringing me such a well of emotions, comfort, hope, peace, and pure enjoyment of adventuring with Sergei/Socrates and all the other characters. I hope they make this story into a movie. I'll be first in line! Trisha B.

My wife works for Borders books and received an advanced copy of your new book. I read it in 2 days. I just could not put it down. I am a martial arts instructor and already praising it to all my students and friends. I will be giving it as birthday and Christmas presents this year. Scott A.

I am a part-time book selller for a small Waldenbooks in Vermont and this is my first contact with your work. I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader's copy of your new book. I read it in two days. It is a marvelous work and I will recommend it often. As all good books do, it made me laugh sometimes, it made me cry sometimes, and it made me think, a lot. Brian S.